Large fires near the Hanmer Springs turnoff on the Lewis Pass Rd have brought traffic to a standstill. There are reports of six uncontrolled fires near the Lewis Pass Highway north of Hanmer Springs. Fire Shift Commander Andrew Norris said the fires aren't suspicious - they're believed to have started from sparks off a vehicle. Cmdr Norris said the steep terrain is making the fires travel faster and more difficult for fire crews to attack. The fires have closed roads between Springs Junction and Hanmer Springs along State Highway 47.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 01, 2017 02:21 UTC